Just a month ago, SRC was languishing outside the playoff zone and struggling to find form. Since then, they have shrugged off their inconsistency and forced their way into a semi-final berth. They have established their credentials and pulled off three solid victories leading into the end of the league phase, displaying a brand of hardworking local rugby.

SCC on the other hand, has always been in contention for the top spot, and led the league for the quarter of the season, impressing their supporters by remaining undefeated for their first four matches. It will be an interesting rematch between the Padang rivals with SCC determined to avenge their loss in the annual Padang Shield.

The SRC backline has notched up stirring tries through the industrious effort from the forwards but they would not expect to roll so easily over the advantage line against a SCC pack more hardened than theirs.

“We’re not going to keep every ball and they’ve got a daunting forward pack. But we have to be very accurate with what we do around the field and minimize turnovers.” said Stormy Normy, predicting a confrontational right from the opening whistle.

The SRC frontman said while his team was entitled to feel good about themselves after dismantling Jap Association and edging out Bedok Kings, they had to remain grounded.

“While we’re really happy with the way we played, the guys have to understand those were past matches. The challenge for us is to duplicate those performances,” Stormy said.

“There’s no reason we can’t do it again. It’s the same players in our team, it’s all there for us,” claimed star winger Emery ‘Sub-10’ Ong.

Leading the SCC forward pack would be none other than the ever intimidating Alan ‘Juggernaut’ Kent. After losing out on a final showdown with Bucks in the Premier finals, Kent is intense in helping his club add some deserving silverware to their collection.

Kent, who will captain the SCC Div 1 team for the first time, reacted to talk about his team’s ‘bullying’ style by allowing Premier players boost up the squad.

“We have not breached any regulations whatsoever. I am here to stay and to win. And I guarantee that they’d be in for some really physical rugby,” said Kent.

When asked on his bruising approach in forward play, the 128kg monster stated, “We don’t show mercy and even less do we ask for mercy. Rugby is a contact sport and our approach has not changed since the club started rugby. We get stuck in to intimidate our opponents, but all within the laws. We will be malicious.”

The NTU SELECTORS would be hoping for a sterling effort from both Stormy and Emery.

“In a final, little things can make the difference between winning and losing. Tactical excellence can be conclusive but that cannot be the only yardstick for victory. Individual performances can turn the game around as well,” said an optimistic NTU SELECTOR.